Opinion of New Glarus (Madison, Stoughton: house, schools, property taxes)

[arizonaone]

Hi. I am once again researching where to live in WI. I was supposed to relocate last year but a family emergency prevented me from doing so. I have been looking at New Glarus. Seems like such a cool town. Very European and very quaint. Exactly what I am looking for. Also, not too far from Cross Plains where my office will be.

Can someone tell me if New Glarus is a nice place to live. And is it accepting of newcomers?

Thanks to all.

[ccjarider]

It has become a bedroom community of Madison.

I grew up in Green County in the 70's. Back then we felt Madison was far away and too Democratic. Green County was very conservative back then (Swiss Heritage)

Nowadays it tends to run more Democrat. The northern half of the county, (where New Glarus is located) is full of new residents who want to live in the country, but work in Madison.

You will have no problem with acceptance. It is a nice place but a bit small. Understand you will have to drive to Madison, Monroe or some other town for a bit more nightlife or social activities.

We have family there and are in the town several times/year. Have eaten at every restarant in town numerous times, while they are ok, boredom can set in.

The new New Glarus Brewery facility is very cool. Some of best beers in WI would be brewed in your backyard!

[akbound08]

not sure what the town is like but they make a good beer you should try the spotted cow its delicious!

[arizonaone]

Thank you both so much for your insight. Looking forward to the move - and the beer. lol

[Drover]

Yeah, you'll be set if you like good beer. New Glarus Brewing Co. is one of the most respected craft breweries in the country among beer connoisseurs. The town itself seems all right to me. It's certainly clean and tidy and all that. As for people wanting to "live in the country" I think it's more accurate that they have either been priced out of the market in Madison and the immediately surrounding communities, or they don't want to pay Dane County property taxes, or both.

[nanannie]

My daughter lives in NG, and I certainly can agree about the beer. These lips will never touch a Heineken again, too spoiled.
It is indeed a cute,clean town,(reminds me of small town in New England,)not alot there/to do, but less then 1/2 hour to Madison. They are one of the people Drover mentioned who moved to the countryside to afford more bang for their buck. Have 5 beautiful acres with a nice view and cute house which they couldnt even dream about in Dane country. There are also real bargains in the housing markets in the Village itself as well.
As far as "accepting to new comers'', people are 'nice', but dont expect a welcoming commitee. It helps if you are not from Illinois.
You will find alot of people from "some place else" though.

[Wingfoot]

Not European at all-a tourist trap is closer to mark.

[gossi1]

Lived in New Glarus for several years: clean town, decent schools. Good location in relation to Madison(jobs, etc). The person that said to not expect a welcoming committee hit it on the head, though. It is very "touristy" (is that a word?). They seem to go to the well too often with far too many cheesy festivals all summer long. And if you're not Swiss or at least part, some locals act like you're dirt. You should take a look at Mt. Horeb, Stoughton or Cambridge.